Alka Yagnik Birthday Special: Alka Yagnik’s songs are synonymous with romance and passion. The singer, who rose to fame with the track Ek Do Teen from Tezaab in 1988, has been an inspiration for millions. A classically trained vocalist, she started singing bhajans at the age of six for Akashvani (All India Radio). Since then, the singer has never looked back, giving hit after hit. Be it Agar Tum Saath Ho from Tamasha, or the sensuous Choli Ke Peeche from Khalnayak, everyone has a favourite Alka Yagnik track.

As she turns 59 today, March 20, let’s take a look at Alka Yagnik’s career, top romantic tracks and the Guinness World Record to her name.
Alka Yagnik In Guinness World Records Book

In January 2023, Alka Yagnik was featured in the Guinness World Records for the third consecutive year. She was recognised as the most-streamed singer on YouTube for 2022, surpassing global stars like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Beyoncé.

Her songs accumulated 15.3 billion streams in 2022, averaging 42 million streams per day. She achieved similar success the previous two years. In 2021, she recorded 17 billion streams. In 2020, she had 16.6 billion streams.

Apart from Guinness World Records, Alka Yagnik has another feat to her name – She is the only female singer besides Asha Bhosle to win the best playback singer award at Filmfare seven times.

Alka Yagnik’s Top 10 Romantic Songs

1. Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hain (Saajan): This is one of Alka Yagnik’s most romantic duets with Kumar Sanu. The track was part of the blockbuster movie Saajan, which starred Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan.
2. Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi (Raja Hindustani): Alka Yagnik’s emotional depth in this soulful track elevated it beyond the film, making it a lasting classic.
3. Tum Paas Aaye (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai): Alka Yagnik managed to make this song even more melodious with her vocals.
4. Aye Mere Humsafar (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak): Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak had all the ingredients of a classic film- compelling performances, an engaging storyline and soulful music. The Alka-Udit combination gave the movie one of its most famous tracks, which is still loved by many.
5. Jane Kyun Log Pyar Karte Hain (Dil Chahta Hai): This quirky yet romantic track by Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan is all about contrasting ideas on the importance of love.
6. Hum Tum (Hum Tum): This track by Alka and Babul Supriyo is the perfect romantic song for a date night. It was picturised on Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan.
7. Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha): Sung by the 90’s queen and Arijit Singh, this composition by A.R. Rahman is bound to be on everyone’s playlist.
8. Gali Mein Aaj Chand Nikla (Zakhm): This soothing track remains one of Alka Yagnik’s most iconic songs.
9. Aisa Lagta Hai (Refugee): This love ballad remains an eternal classic from the 2000 film.
10. Tumhi Dekho Na (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna): A completely dreamy track with Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam’s vocals and featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji – can a song be any more romantic?

Here’s wishing Alka Yagnik a very happy birthday.